Kevin Sharp

The first time I bumped into Joe was in Shropshire in 2013. Joe was on the staff at Worcestershire and came across the border on a number of occasions to play Minor Counties Cricket for Shropshire. As always he led from the front with his attitude and performance and made excellent contributions to what proved to be a very successful season.

Twelve months later I was employed as 2nd XI/batting coach by Worcestershire and Joe and I were able to continue to build our respectful, trusting and professional relationship. We were having a lot of fun too and along the way I think it’s fair to say we also became good mates, which has always included plenty of good-natured leg pulling. You can’t beat dressing room banter.

Joe was in the Second XI to start the 2014 season and was captain when he played. This allowed us to spend a lot of time together as captain and Coach and we often had some pretty forthright discussions. Plenty to go at with a full-on Yorkie and the adopted Yorkie in Joe who had spent time on the MCCU scheme at the Leeds Universities. His captaincy was always very positive and I’ll never forget when he suggested declaring against Middlesex with nearly two days to go to push for an early win. I think my response was something like “What the bloody hell are you on about”, such fun.

It did not take him long to establish himself as a highly respected member of the 1st XI and he became a very consistent and trusted performer which has continued throughout his whole career. Joe was appointed captain for the 2018 season and was tasked by the club to ask me if I would take on the responsibility of being Head Coach following a restructure in the coaching department following the departure of Steve Rhodes. It was special that it came from Joe and I will always treasure that. I can remember saying to him “Don’t the lads want a coach with international experience”. He made it clear that I would be a popular choice amongst the players which was enough for me to accept the role and tackle what was to come next with confidence.

That season proved to be very special for all of us at the club winning the T20 trophy on its first appearance at finals day. Joe didn’t always feature in the eleven but as overall club captain he always led from the front and was always there to support the lads, Moeen Ali as T20 captain, the support and coaching staff. After a close-run thing we unfortunately got relegated in the Championship which was disappointing but overall we could hold our heads up high.

I will always remember how Joe made me feel welcome at club, inviting me round for dinner with him and Becks in the early days which meant a great deal. It was also brilliant to attend their wedding just before Xmas in 2017. I returned the favour a few years later and invited him round to watch Wolves and Leeds in a premiership battle on Sky TV. Wolves won which was a huge hammer blow for me. I couldn’t shut him up and eventually had to kick him out.

Benefit/testimonial years are meant to be for great ambassadors and servants to a County Club. I cannot think of anybody who would be more deserving of this award and I am certain that the Worcestershire members, his team mates and sponsors will get together and make it a year to remember.

Go well mate, if I can support in any way please let me know.

Much love, Sharpy